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The man suspected of murdering schoolgirl Lucy McHugh has been jailed for refusing to provide his Facebook password to police investigating her death.

Stephen Nicholson, 24, appeared on a video-link at Southampton Crown Court on Friday morning to plead guilty to the charge under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (Ripa).

Nicholson, a family friend who was staying in Lucy's home until shortly before her death, refused access to his Facebook to detectives investigating any private messages sent between himself and the 13-year-old.

Lucy, who lived in Mansel Road, Southampton, was found dead in woodland at Southampton Sports Centre on July 26 having been stabbed to death.

Judge Christopher Parker QC jailed Nicholson for 14 months.

The coffin of 13-year-old Lucy McHugh is carried into her funeral serviceCredit:
Andrew Matthews /PA

He did not accept Nicholson's "wholly inadequate" excuse that providing his password would expose information relating to cannabis.

"What you have done is obstructed the investigation, and a very serious investigation indeed. It has caused a very significant delay," Judge Parker said.

"It means that the task of police investigating the murder of Lucy McHugh is that much more difficult."

Matthew Lawson, prosecuting, said police are following the "lengthy procedure" to get the information from Facebook itself.

An aerial photo issued by police of the area where Lucy McHugh was last seen aliveCredit:
Hampshire Constabulary/PA

Nicholson was first arrested by Hampshire Police on suspicion of murder and sexual activity with a child.

He was bailed before being charged under Ripa.

A decision as to whether or not to charge him with further offences is expected on October 27.